Phew what a week. I celebrated my birthday with a few friends and my family. It was wonderful. My husband spoiled me big time. To totally brag...he bought me a Tiffany bracelet and an Amazon Kindle. I have no idea what I did to deserve such wonderful gifts but I love them both so much! I have to say though that this is going to be my last birthday party. I am in no way trying to be a "Debbie Downer" but something always happens on my birthday.
First of all my birthday is the 23rd of October. One week and a day before Halloween. I always end up hearing "Oh gosh, I already committed to going to a Halloween party for that same night." Also there are a million and one people born in the month of October. So I also hear "Oh I can't go that's the same night as my sisters birthday party." So I usually just don't bother.
My hubby doesn't seem to get it. Growing up it was always dinner with the family with cake and presents afterwards. That's it. Simple and nice. Just how I like it. So that's all I want.
This birthday (which is this Saturday coming up) is going to be sad. Unfortunately a very dear friend of the family passed away VERY unexpectedly. My heart goes out to that family especially the two daughters. We met because our Moms worked together and they decided that we should hang out. We were 10, 11 and 12. When I came back from Okinawa we all became friends again. Their Mother was like an Aunt to me and she had no problem talking to me like I was one of her own children. Needless to say she, just like my own Mom, did not approve of my nose ring or tongue ring either. When I came back from Oki and was having a long distance relationship with a Marine who played the guitar she told me to "Get rid of him. Guitar players are no good." Sure enough I got broken up with over the phone with these words..."I forgot to tell you, I was in love with someone else the whole time."
She was known for her sauce and lasagna. Just like any other good Italian Mom you better come over to her house hungry because she would make you eat anyway.
All she ever wanted was to have grandchildren. My Mom and I ran into her while I was pregnant with Lex and she went on about "I don't care if they're married. They have places to go to have babies. They can have the baby and then I will take it away from them so I can take care of it."
I know she was excited when she was told by her daughter that she was getting married. The first thought in her head probably wasn't "My baby's getting married!" more like "I'm gonna be a grandma!" They are in the middle of planning the wedding and getting everything ready.
Sadly...that same feisty lady (who was always dressed nicely and had her hair and makeup perfectly done) passed away. A huge shock and an even bigger loss. She was well known in the community because she was heavily involved with Church and was a very good business woman with connections everywhere.
I can't imagine what it's like to have to go through this. My heart goes out to the family. I know if it were me I wouldn't be able to function. I wish I could make all of this go away. I wish they didn't have to go through the pain of losing a Mother and a Wife way way WAY before her time. There are no words that I can express to help them. I always fear I will say the wrong thing. I've lost relatives and friends. Never have I had to experience this. Nor do I want to.
I've told them that I'm there for them and have prayed for them. Funny enough at my birthday party my wish wasn't for me but for her. I've cried everyday since I got the call. Not for Laurie but for the family.
So farewell Mrs. Wideman. You have no idea how much you will be missed. But now you can watch over your family. I hope you will rest in peace.
